A new report, published today, from the EASL–Lancet Commission on liver health in Europe warns that liver disease is an escalating but largely preventable public health crisis across the WHO European Region, calling on governments to implement stronger prevention policies and integrate liver health into broader non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies.
The Commission finds that cirrhosis and liver cancer together account for approximately 284,000 deaths annually in Europe, while liver cancer mortality has increased by more than 50%, from around 46,000 deaths in 2000 to approximately 69,000 deaths in 2023, despite intensified international commitments to reduce non‑communicable diseases by 2030 and the availability of effective prevention and treatment options.
Alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity, alongside viral hepatitis, remain the principal causes of liver-related mortality in Europe. According to the Commission, eliminating behavioural risk factors alone could almost halve the burden of liver disease, while also reducing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The Commission also finds that liver disease has substantial economic consequences, estimating that the combined economies of EU countries and associated European states (EU27+4 countries) be larger by approximately €55 billion annually if liver disease were eliminated — reflecting the costs attributable to lost productivity and the wider societal impacts of premature illness and death. The report also estimates that liver disease reduces GDP across European countries by around 0.3%, reflecting lost productivity and workforce participation.
The authors call for coordinated prevention policies – such as taxation of harmful products, improved screening and early detection, and better access to treatment – to address the health and economic burden of liver disease and deliver wide-ranging benefits across health systems, economies, and population well-being.
The British Liver Trust strongly supports the Commission’s call for governments to use fiscal measures to reduce the harm caused by unhealthy food and alcohol. Liver disease is one of the fastest‑growing causes of death in the UK, and much of it is preventable. Taxation is one of the most effective tools we have to shift population‑level behaviour, reduce consumption of harmful products, and fund the health and social care systems that are currently bearing the cost.
Alcohol and unhealthy food are priced and marketed in ways that drive over‑consumption. Aligning taxation with the true economic and societal burden of these products is a proportionate and evidence‑based response.
Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Policy and Communications at the Trust said, “This is not about creating a nanny state — it is about creating a healthier environment for everyone. Right now, the environment is stacked against people making healthy choices. Harmful products are cheap, aggressively marketed, and readily available, while the NHS is left to deal with the consequences. Sensible, proportionate measures that reduce harm and save lives are not nannying; they are basic public health protections that have been proven to work.
We strongly support mandatory, prominent health warnings on alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of liver disease, yet most people are unaware of the risks. Clear, consistent labelling would help consumers make informed choices and improve public understanding of safer drinking levels.”
In addition, digital marketing urgently needs stronger regulation. Children and young people are being targeted with highly personalised advertising for products that increase their lifetime risk of liver disease. Europe‑wide rules on algorithm‑driven marketing would be a major step forward in protecting the next generation.
90% of liver disease is preventable, yet it is the only major cause of death that is still rising. We urgently need policies that create a healthier environment for everyone. This isn’t about a nanny state — it’s about fairness. Right now, harmful products are cheap, heavily promoted and driving a growing liver disease crisis. Aligning taxation with the real health and societal costs, alongside clearer warnings and tighter marketing controls, would help prevent avoidable liver disease and save lives.
The commission also highlights the need for improved early detection and better treatment. A survey by the British Liver Trust published in the BJGP found only 36% of areas in the UK have an effective early detection pathway. If found early liver disease progression can be halted and often reversed so if the Government is serious about prevention they should address liver disease.
You can read the full Lancet Commission report here
